Phillies Nuggets: Trea Turner focused on keeping hamstrings healthy in 2026

Managing Editor

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Mar 4, 2024; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner (7) throws to first for an out against the Toronto Blue Jays in the second inning at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Perhaps the only negative in Trea Turner's 2025 campaign was that he missed a chunk of time in September with a right hamstring strain.

Even still, Turner had enough at-bats to win the National League batting title, and when coupled with a major defensive turnaround, he finished fifth in senior circuit MVP voting.

However, it was the second consecutive season that Turner dealt with a hamstring strain, so when he was asked about whether he's altered his offseason program at all, he did note that he's hoping to avoid a third season in a row going on the IL with an injury that can be debilitating to speed-based players.

"Not yet, it's worked out so far," Turner said Monday. "So keep doing the same thing, just obviously wanna stay away from the injuries this year. That's really the only goal, is to not pop a hammy.

"But no, training went great this offseason again. Kinda did the same thing, I feel like it's put me in a good spot for the last 10-12 years. I feel good, body feels good, still feel young. Although, when I have to to play with guys like this in Aidan [Miller], it makes me feel old. But I feel 25, I feel ready."

Turner's hamstring strain in 2025 wasn't a very serious one. He sustained it on Sept. 7, and was healthy enough to return to the lineup for the regular-season finale on Sept. 28. With that said, he posted just four hits in 17 at-bats against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS, and it's fair to wonder whether missing that chunk of time made it harder for him to get his timing back at the plate in October.

In 2024, Turner strained his left hamstring, which cost him six weeks of playing time. Even once he returned from the injured list, Turner seemed hesitant to cut it loose running the bases for much of the rest of the season, which isn't uncommon when coming off of a hamstring injury.

At least as far as the 2025 strain is concerned, Turner has a theory for what caused it, and has made some slight tweaks to try to avoid a reoccurrence in 2026.

"I think last year was pretty much hydration," Turner revealed. "The year before, I don't really know. I don't really know the problem. But last year was probably a little bit of hydration. I played like 100-something games in a row. I had that one off day, thought I was good to go and it just didn't work out, sometimes things pop up. But I would say more nutrition and hydration than anything. I felt strong, I've played 162 before so, I don't think I was worn down or anything like that. Hopefully, that's a small change."

Turner stole 36 bases in 2025, his most in a season since he led the NL with 43 swiped bags in 2018, his age-25 campaign. He'll turn 33 in June, and as you age, injuries like this can happen more frequently. It will be interesting to see how the Phillies balance that with the fact that Turner's best attribute remains his lightning-fast speed.

The Nuggets

After a cut on his foot limited him Monday, Brandon Marsh was a full go Tuesday. Rob Thomson said he expects Marsh to be in the lineup when the Phillies welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates to BayCare Ballpark for their first home game of the spring slate.

Zack Wheeler came out well after playing catch up to 120 feet for the first time Monday. He'll do that again on Wednesday. He's already throwing his change-up, and the expectation is he'll start to throw pitches that require spin in the near future on flat ground. There's still not a date for when he'll throw his first bullpen, but Thomson said 120 was the final distance marker he needed to check off as far as throwing on flat ground.

Orion Kerkering (right hamstring) will throw on flat ground Wednesday, and if that goes well, will likely have a bullpen session on Saturday.

Reliever Daniel Robert told OnPattison he’s received clearance from doctors and is all good to go after experiencing a “cardiovascular event” (it was not a heart attack) last fall. His elbow is also good after bothering him late last year. The 31-year-old is in camp as a non-roster invitee after appearing in 15 games for the Phillies last season.